By Ibrahim S. Bangura
Oxon Hill, Maryland (24 February 2025) – Neneh Ada Koroma, popularly known as QueenNak, a Sierra Leonean Hollywood Afrobeat artist, humanitarian, and cultural ambassador, is set to headline the 4th Annual Sierra Leone Independence Masquerade Ball Festival. This vibrant celebration of Sierra Leone’s cultural heritage aims to unite the diaspora and global influencers. The much-anticipated event will take place on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in Oxon Hill, Maryland.
The Independence Masquerade Ball forms part of a weekend-long series of events designed to foster unity, networking, and celebration among Sierra Leoneans worldwide. The festivities will begin on Friday, April 25, with a Pre-Masquerade Ball Networking Soiree, where QueenNak will meet representatives from the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce and members of her Beverly Hills community. The weekend will conclude on Sunday, April 27, with the Sierra Leone Independence Parade and the Unifest Festival at Baysso Stadium.
“This is more than a performance. It is a celebration of Sierra Leone’s unity, heritage, and our future,” QueenNak stated.
A dynamic force in music, fashion, and philanthropy, QueenNak has made a significant impact on the global entertainment stage. Her international collaborations and advocacy for African music have earned her widespread recognition. “Music is my way of telling our story, honoring our heritage, and connecting hearts across borders,” she shared, emphasizing her mission to preserve Sierra Leonean culture through her art.
QueenNak’s journey has been both groundbreaking and inspirational. She represented Sierra Leone at the Youth Olympic Games Arts Exhibition in Nanjing in 2014 and was named a Global Peace Ambassador. Recognized as one of Sierra Leone’s 100 Most Influential Youths, she reflected, “Carrying Sierra Leone on my shoulders wherever I go is both an honor and a responsibility. It is my way of showing the world the beauty and resilience of our people.”
As the first foreigner to represent China at the Milan Expo Arts Exhibition in 2015, QueenNak has continued to make history. She is the founder of QueenNak Foundation Inc., QueenNak Luxury LLC, and the Bu Yi International Arts & Cultural Festival. Through these initiatives, she empowers women and youth, promotes cultural exchange, and elevates Sierra Leonean music globally.
The 4th Annual Independence Masquerade Ball will provide attendees with a vibrant display of Sierra Leonean culture while creating connections with influential figures in the entertainment industry. Guests are encouraged to wear formal attire that highlights their ethnic heritage, embracing this year’s theme of celebrating Sierra Leone’s diversity and its connection to other African nations and the diaspora.
“This event is about inspiring pride, solidarity, and hope. When we gather to celebrate Sierra Leone, we create a legacy for future generations,” QueenNak remarked.
Sierra Leone, a West African nation, is renowned for its rich and diverse culture, shaped by 18 distinct ethnic groups. Each group brings its own traditions, language, and history, creating a vibrant tapestry of Sierra Leone’s identity. The Masquerade Ball will showcase this diversity through cultural displays, music, and traditional attire.
The 3rd Annual Sierra Leone Independence Masquerade Ball, held on April 27, 2024, at the Howard Theatre in Washington, D.C., celebrated the theme “A Night Where Different Ethnicities Connect in Style and Grace.” The event was praised for highlighting Sierra Leonean heritage and fostering meaningful connections among attendees.
Looking ahead to 2025, QueenNak promises an unforgettable experience, urging all to participate: “Come and experience the magic. Let’s celebrate Sierra Leone in style!” she concluded.